2011 Holden Volt

GM Holden has released the first images of the highly anticipated Holden Volt extended range electric vehicle as it will appear on Australian roads. The images, which show a right-hand-drive version of Volt sporting Holden badges on its aerodynamic front and rear, were released as part of Holden's presentation at the Melbourne International Motor Show. It is a local take on the vehicle that has won widespread acclaim for its ability to travel up to 64 kilometres on electricity before using petrol or producing exhaust pipe emissions.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said the company had been overwhelmed by public interest in Holden Volt since announcing it would launch in Australia in 2012. "We think Volt has the potential to change the game in Australian motoring," Mr Reuss said. "Since we announced our plans to introduce Holden Volt to Australia, we have been overwhelmed by public interest in the car and the technology that makes it work. There is no doubt that Volt's advanced propulsion systems represent some of the most exciting alternative fuel developments in motoring. At Holden, we believe Volt will play an incredibly important role in our efforts to make motoring better for the environment".

General Motors estimates that compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, Volt will save motorists up to 1892 litres of fuel a year. This is based on US research that identifies 75 per cent of commuters travel an average daily distance of less than 40 miles (64 kilometres). When Volt's battery energy is depleted, a small petrol engine generates enough electricity to power the vehicle for hundreds of additional kilometres.GM also calculates that charging the vehicle at night through a standard power outlet will use less electricity annually than an average household refrigerator.

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